Traditional and complementary medicine for promoting healthy ageing in WHO Western Pacific Region: Policy implications from utilization patterns and current evidence

Abstract

Background With increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), ageing becomes a global public health concern, and the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region has no exception. To address the NCD challenge, priority should be given to promote healthy ageing across the life-course. As traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is popular within the Region, it is of policy interest to explore possibilities of applying T&CM for promoting healthy ageing. Methods We first summarized sources of clinical evidence supporting the use of T&CM. We then searched publications through MEDLINE from its inception to April 2020 to identify studies focusing on the perception of T&CM among older people. Finally, taking current evidence base and patient choice into account, we generated policy recommendations for of integrating T&CM into health systems. Result Experiences from countries with different income levels suggested that promoting evidence-based T&CM as self-care modalities would be the most efficient way of maximizing impact among the older population, especially via a train the trainer approach. Meanwhile, popularity of natural products in the Region mandates policy makers to implement appropriate regulation and quality assurance, and to establish pharmacovigilance to detect potential harm. The role of pharmacists in advising patients on self-medication using natural products needs to be strengthened. Conclusion Policy-makers will benefit from continued global dialogue and sharing of experience in T&CM policy development and implementation. Harmonizing regulatory frameworks for natural products at regional and global levels, including mutual recognition of regulatory approval, to improve standards and protect patients could be a priority.

Prevalence and determinants of using complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of chronic illnesses: A multicenter study in Bangladesh

“…In other cases, it is the only source of treatment due to a lack of adequate healthcare access, cultural differences, and healthcare costs [ 2 ]. Although conventional medicine (CM) has improved in recent decades, the use of CAM for illness prevention, control, and management has expanded around the world [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Associations between sociodemographic factors, health spending, disease burden, and life expectancy of older adults (70 + years old) in 22 countries in the Western Pacific Region, 1995–2019: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019

“…The governments of these countries need to rethink their health spending in a more consistent way and direct more health spending on the areas of higher priority as shown in the results of this analysis, including health promotion programmes in older people related to NCDs. This may include, among other things, specific strategies for a more concrete integration of traditional medicine, which is the main primary health care in many of the communities on Pacific Islands [44,45].…”

Antibacterial Activity Test of Gotu Kola Leaf Extract (Centella asiatica) Against Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria Isolated from Wounds of Diabetes Mellitus Patients

“…Medical use is trending "back to nature" and is in demand by various groups, especially urban communities, and has become a global concern, as WHO estimates that 80% of the world's population relies on herbal medicine (Ahmad et al, 2023). WHO promotes traditional medicines, including herbal medicines, for public health, illness prevention, and treatment (Chung et al, 2021). Traditional herb Gotu kola leaves (Centella asiatica (L) urban) grow vines and blossom year-round.…”